Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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This invention relates to fence construction, particu-
larly to that type of fence assembly fabricated from iron or
other metals and having protective and decorative top members.
Prior proposals for spear points, including those
dealing with non-metallic fence tops, are illustratively shown in
the 'below listed prior United States patents:
Des.74,964 Pat. 303,728
Des.80,719 Pat. 479,123
Des.179,832 Pat. 892,069
Des.186,379 Pat. 1,409,155
Patent 3,250,050
This invention contemplates the provision of spear
points for ornamental iron grills and rails, said spear points
being formed of molded, high impact plastics. These spear points
are used in lieu of conventional metallic points.
Thus, in accordance with the present teachings such
relates to a fence construction which includes a longitudinal
stringer, a plurality of substantially vertical metallic posts,
the posts being substantially rectangular in cross section, have
upper side portions and top walls with protective and decorative
spear points for the posts. Each post comprises a spear point
body section having upper and lower portions, the lower body
section having top and bottom flanges. The lower bottom section
also has a substantially rectangular chamber with the chamber
being defined by inner walls which are inclined from the vertical
so that the chamber is of increased dimension at its entry portion }
and the chamber having flat top walls. A spear point section
projects integrally, vertically from the upper portion of each
body section. The body section and spear point section is formed
of resilient plastic material. For the lower body section for
each post is expandably engaged on the respective upper side
portions of a corresponding post with the chamber expanded through-
out its depth to frictionally engage the side portions along the
complete axial length thereof with the top wall of the post abutted
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against the flat top wall of the chamber. An epoxy mastic
bonding substance on the end of the post which receives the
spear point permanently adheres the spear point thereon.
The employment of non-metallic spear points results
in numerous advantages over conventional methods of assembly of
fences and the like. The conventional attachment methods for
metallic spear points involves welding procedures which are costly
and which produce an outfall of unsightly metals necessitating
expensive cleaning-up procedures. The plastic spear points are
substantially reduced in weight by comparison to metal thereby
effecting economy in transportation, and the plastic points are
uniform in appearance and size.
The plastic spear points are cast in color conforming
to that of the fence, or may be painted to resemble the fence.
In the drawings:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a section of fence,
partially disassembled, showing plastic spear points according to
this invention;
2a-
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Figure 2 is an enlarged side elevational view,
partially broken away for disclosure of detcails; and
Figure 3 is a side elevational view, showing a
modification of design and showing -the tapered assembly
chamber.
Referring to the drawings in more detail, in
Figure 1 a fence 10 is shown having a series of longitudinal
stringers comprising metallic channel members 12. Each of
the channel members has a bight portion 14 and side arms 16,
18, and the bight portion has longitudinally spaced openings
20 formed therein at regular intervals. It will be understood
that other stringers or base components, forming no part of
this invention, are provided.
Projecting upwardly through the openings 20 are a
plurality of posts or pickets 22. Each of the posts is of
substantially rectangular cross section and occupies one of
the openings, and has an upper side portion 24 which extends
above the stringer. The upper side portions terminate at
horizontal top walls 26.
The molded plastic spear points of this invention
are designated in the drawing by reference character 28. Each
of the spear points has a lower body section 30 with a solid
upper portion 32, and a lower portion 34. -Formed in the lower
portion 34 and opening on the bottom wall 36 thereof is a
tapered chc~mber 38. Chamber 38 is defined by inwardly inclined
inner walls 40 c~d a flat top wall 42.
The dimension of the chamber at its open lower end
generally approximates the tops of the posts. The spear
points are adapted or very tight frictional engagement on the
post upper ends. The points are attached as by driving the
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chambers about the posts with a mallet or other tool to the
extent that the top wall 42 of the chamber seats flush
against the top 26 of the post. The plastic material or
fabrication permits the chamber walls to expand during the
driving procesS to thus occupy the Figure 2 position.
In a modified attachment sequence, a quantity 44
of epoxy or cther permanent mastic is applied to the post top
wall 26 prior to this attachment procedure.
The outer configuration of the lower body sections
is substantially rectangular. The upper and lower flanges
46 and 48 are provided both for appearance and to rigidify
the section. The spear point sections 50 are variable, one
design being shown in Figures 1 and 2, and another in
Figure 3.
